Students discover career opportunities

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(BCR photo/Lyle Ganther)

Students from area high schools tour LCN Closers in Princeton.

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(Photo contributed)

Lori Setchell, Carus Corporation’s quality control manager, shows students around Carus’ chemistry lab during a plant tour held as part of the activities of the North Central Illinois Discover Manufacturing Expo.

Nearly 300 high school students from LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties have a new outlook on local career opportunities after attending the North Central Illinois Discover Manufacturing Career Expo on Oct. 23.

Carus Corporation, LCN in Princeton, Black Bros. in Mendota, Eakas in Peru, Vactor in Streator and MBL in Ottawa were the six local manufacturers who welcomed students to tour their facilities and learn more about career opportunities in manufacturing.

The Expo, hosted by the North Central Regional Betterment Coalition and its partners, Carus Corporation, Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC), Starved Rock Association for Vocational and Technical Education and NCI-Works, offered students opportunities to meet face-to-face with local employers. The Expo took place at Celebrations 150 in Utica. Manufacturers set up booths and presentations for students and the public. Attendees learned about educational requirements, job skills, salary projections and the types of positions available within the industry.

The North Central Illinois Betterment Coalition plans to establish the Discover Manufacturing Career Expo as an annual event.

New M. Blouke Carus Scholarship announced

One participant in the North Central Illinois Discover Manufacturing Career Expo on Oct. 23 will be awarded a newly-created manufacturing scholarship named for M. Blouke Carus, Carus Corporation’s chairman emeritus.

This spring, the Illinois Manufacturing Association (IMA) will provide $500 to a graduating senior with plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College in pursuit of a career in manufacturing. The IMA will award the M. Blouke Carus scholarship to a Discover Manufacturing Career Expo attendee annually and hopes to increase the value of the award in the coming years.

Students who attended the Expo should contact their school counselors or IVCC for eligibility and application information.